Rounding system and method used in the manufacture of conical or cylindrical structures

ABSTRACT

A can rounding system and method that uses arms that are able to maintain cans in a concentric arrangement during the welding process. The arms enable the can rounding system to maintain the concentric positions in order to achieve improved circular dimensions and increase the overall efficiency in the construction of cylindrical and conical structures, such as wind towers.

This Application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12/417,184, filed Apr. 2, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/107,073 filed Oct. 21, 2008. The contents of both of the aforementioned documents are incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of manufacturing conical or cylindrical shaped structures. In particular the present invention is related to stabilizing a can used in the construction of cylindrical or conical shaped structures during the can rounding process.

2. Description of the Related Technology

In light of the increased cost of energy for traditional non-renewable energy sources people have begun to take more of an interest in renewable energy sources. One type of renewable energy sources is wind energy and its popularity is evidenced by the increasing number of wind towers that dot the landscape.

In the construction of wind towers, conical or cylindrical shaped “cans,” are welded together in order to form the towers. FIGS. 1( a) and 1(b) show cylindrical can 10 a and conical can 11 a which are illustrative of cans used in the manufacture of wind towers. Cans may be constructed of any material and are typically made of metal in the construction process described below. Dimensions for cans used in this type of manufacture may range between 7 to 20 feet.

In the wind tower manufacturing industry, the current method of fabrication and welding has no effective way of butting the cans up to one another in a concentric manner. When welding cans using standard methods may be supported at their base and two cans are placed in abutment and welded together. When the cans are welded together in this fashion frequently an imperfect weld is formed. This results in inefficiencies in the field and reduces the number of wind towers that can be effectively manufactured.

Therefore there is a need in the field to provide a method and system for uniformly rounding a can in order to create an efficient weld when forming a conical or cylindrical shaped structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is a can rounding mechanism that stabilizes cans during the welding process.

Another object of the present invention is a method for stabilizing cans during the welding process.

A first aspect of the invention is a can rounding mechanism comprising: a base; a pair of upper arms connected to the base, wherein the pair of upper arms have at least one roller located at a distal end of each of the pair of upper arms; a pair of lower arms connected to the base, wherein the pair of lower arms have at least one roller located at a distal end of each of the pair of lower arms; and wherein when a can is placed in the can rounding mechanism the pair of upper arms contacts the can at a first portion of the can located above a mid-point of the can and the pair of lower arms contacts the can at second portion of the can located below the mid-point of the can.

Another aspect of the invention is a system for rounding cans comprising: a can having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter extends around the circumference of the can from 0° to 360°, wherein a quadrant I extends from 0° to 90° around the circumference of the can, a quadrant II extends from 90° to 180° around the circumference of the can, a quadrant III extends from 180° to 270° around the circumference of the can and a quadrant IV extends from 270° to 360° around the circumference of the can; a can rounding mechanism comprising a base; a first arm connected to the base, wherein the first arm has at least one roller located at a distal end of the arm; a second arm connected to the base, wherein the second arm has at least one roller located at a distal end of the second arm; and wherein the first arm contacts the can at within quadrant I or quadrant IV of the can and the second arm contacts the can at quadrant II or quadrant III of the can.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method for rounding cans comprising: placing a first can in a can rounding mechanism, wherein the can rounding mechanism comprises: a base; a pair of upper arms connected to the base, wherein the pair of upper arms have at least one roller located at a distal end of each of the pair of upper arms; a pair of lower arms connected to the base, wherein the pair of lower arms have at least one roller located at a distal end of each of the pair of lower arms; and wherein when the first can is placed in the can rounding mechanism the pair of upper arms contacts the first can at a first portion of the first can located above a mid-point of the first can and the second pair of lower arms contacts the first can at second portion of the first can located below the mid-point of the first can; and welding the first can to a second can.

These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1( a) shows a cylindrical shaped can.

FIG. 1( b) shows a conical shaped can.

FIG. 2 shows the can rounding system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows the can rounding system illustrating a queue of cans in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the can rounding mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the can rounding mechanism shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the can rounding mechanism shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the method for producing wind towers using the can rounding system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the can rounding system 100 used in the construction and welding of the cans in the formation of wind towers. While the present invention is discussed in view of construction of a wind tower, it should be understood that other end products may employ this system and method described herein. For example, pressure vessels or large tanks may also employ the inventive method and system described herein. Indeed, any construction requiring the welding of cans can employ the system and method of the present invention.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the can rounding system 100 has a can rounding mechanism 15 that holds can 10 a. In FIG. 2 the can rounding mechanism 15 is shown holding the can 10 a in an upright position. This is the position in which the welding process occurs. The can 10 a has a mid-portion demarcated by the line A which extends across the diameter of the can 10 a horizontally. The line B bisects the can 10 a vertically and is used herein for reference purposes. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 the intersecting lines A and B form four quadrants around the circumference of the can 10 a. Quadrant I extends from 0° to 90° around the circumference of the can 10 a, quadrant II extends from 90° to 180° around the circumference of the can 10 a, quadrant III extends from 180°-270° around the circumference of the can 10 a and quadrant IV extends from 270° to 360° around the circumference of the can 10 a. The diameter of the can 10 a is between the ranges of 5-25 feet, and preferably between 7 and 20 feet in diameter. It should be understood that the diameter of the cans may vary based upon the resulting process for which the end constructed product is to be used. Furthermore, when constructing a conical shaped structure it should be understood that the diameter of the cans used will change throughout the fabrication of the resulting structure.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the can rounding system 100 additionally has a control box 12 that is operatively connected to the valves 14, which hydraulically control the can rounding mechanism 15. Operatively connected to the valves 14 are tank(s) 16 and a pump 18 and engine 19. The tank(s) 16 and the pump 18 provide the hydraulic pressure necessary for the operation of the valves 14 and the can rounding mechanism 15. The can rounding mechanism 15 is controlled with the valves 14 and operated through the usage of the control box 12. While the control box 12 is illustrated as being physically connected to the valves 14, it should be understood that the control box 12 may be wireless. It should also be understood that various sub-components are used in the formation of the can rounding system 100 such as electrical circuits, blocks, solenoids, pumps, tanks, hoses, and cylinders (not shown) the function and usage of which are known to the skilled artisan in the field.

Once the can rounding system 100 is initiated by the operator, the electrical circuit energized solenoids pass oil to a cylinder which applies force to the force points which contact the can 10 a. FIG. 3 shows the can 10 a-10 h arranged in a queue so as to be moved into position in order to weld the cans 10 a-10 h together. By using a control box 12 and hydraulic cylinders, this mechanism can adapt different sized cans 10 a-10 h.

Referring to FIG. 4, adaption to different sized cans is accomplished by moving at least one of the upper arms 20 a, 20 b in a direction so as to increase the distance C between the distal ends 31 of the upper arms 20 a, 20 b. The distance between the upper arms 20 a, 20 b is adjustable so as to accommodate a can having a diameter between 5 to 25 feet, and more particularly between 7 to 20 feet. Additionally the distance, D, between the ends of the lower arms 22 a, 22 b can also be changed by moving at least one of the lower arms 22 a, 22 b in a direction away from the other lower arm. The distance between the lower arms 22 a, 22 b is adjustable so as to accommodate a can having a diameter between 5 to 25 feet, and more particularly 7 to 20 feet. The distances between the lower arms 22 a and 22 b may be between 4 to 8 feet.

Now referring to FIGS. 4-6 where views of the can rounding mechanism 15 are shown. The can rounding mechanism 15 has a base 29. The base 29 is constructed so that the rollers 24 h-24 i can be moved so as to adjust to different sized cans. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 the base 29 is slidable so as to accommodate different sized cans. Operatively connected to the base 29 is the hydraulic cylinder 28 which is connected to the valves 14 and operated through the control box 12, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Support structure 33 is located at the end of the base 29 and provides additional strength for the arms. The support structure 33 extends at an angle with respect to the base 29.

Located at the distal ends of the base 29 is a pair of upper arms 20 a, 20 b. Each upper arm 20 a and 20 b is movably connected to the base 29, however in alternative embodiments only one of the upper arms 20 a, 20 b may be movably connected.

The pair of upper arms 20 a, 20 b contacts the can portion 10 a above the horizontal axis A. Each of the upper arms 20 a, 20 b of the first pair have rollers 24 a-24 d located at the distal ends 31 a, 31 b of the upper arms 20 a, 20 b. The double set of rollers, e.g. 24 a, 24 b, is used in order to place force over more area of the can 10 a. The rollers 24 a-24 d contact the perimeter 8 of the can 10 a so as to keep it stabilized in order to provide an improved weld. The rollers 24 a-24 d operate to guide and support the can portion 10 a during the can rounding process. Rollers 24 a-24 d contact the perimeter 8 in quadrant I and quadrant IV of the can 10 a.

Each of the rollers 24 a-24 d located at the distal ends 31 a, 31 b may contact the perimeter 8 of the can 10 a at equivalent locations within their respective quadrants. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, roller 24 a and 24 d and rollers 24 b and 24 c may be located at equivalent locations along the circumference of the can 10 a. Roller 24 a would be located at 315° along the circumference of the can 10 a, while roller 24 d would be located at 45° along the circumference of the can 10 a. Likewise, roller 24 b would be located at 325° along the circumference of the can 10 a, while roller 24 c would be located at 35° along the circumference of the can 10 a. It should be understood that the locations of the placement of the rollers 24 a-24 d may vary depending upon the size and shape of the can 10 a and the numbers provided above are for illustrative purposes only. Force points where the rollers 24 a-24 d contact the perimeter 8 may be located at any degree angle around the can portion 10 a. It is important however to provide force to the top half of the can 10 a during the welding process in order to improve efficiency and stabilization. Furthermore, in the event that a large force is required for the rounding process the rollers may be used as restraint.

Still referring to FIGS. 4-6, side arm 23 a provides additional force to the perimeter 8 of the can 10 a via the roller 24 e located at the distal end of side arm 23 a. Side arm 23 a is adjustable and so is able to accommodate varying sizes of cans. Roller 24 e contacts the perimeter 8 of the can 10 a above the horizontal axis A. In the embodiment shown it contacts the perimeter 8 in quadrant I at 75° along the circumference of the can 10 a, although it may contact the perimeter in quadrant II in alternative embodiments. It is possible to adjust the side arm 23 a to contact the perimeter 8 of the can 10 a at other locations within quadrant I. Preferably side arm 23 a contacts the can 10 a at a location below where arm 20 b contacts the can 10 a, but above the location where lower arm 22 a contacts the can 10 a.

Side 23 b provides additional force to the perimeter 8 of the can 10 a via the roller 24 j located at the distal end of side arm 23 b. Side arm 23 b is adjustable and so is able to accommodate varying sizes of cans. Roller 24 j contacts the perimeter 8 of the can 10 a above the horizontal axis A. In the embodiment shown it contacts the perimeter 8 in quadrant IV at 285° along the circumference of the can 10 a. It is possible to adjust the side arm 23 b to contact the perimeter 8 of the can 10 a at other locations within quadrant IV, although it may contact the perimeter in quadrant III in alternative embodiments. Preferably side arm 23 b contacts the can 10 a at a location below where arm 20 a contacts the can 10 a, but above the location where lower arm 22 b contacts the can 10 a.

Still referring to FIGS. 4-6, lower arms 22 a and 22 b support the can 10 a during the welding process. Lower arm 22 a has rollers 24 f and 24 g. Lower arm 22 b has rollers 24 h and 24 i. Each of the lower arms 22 a, 22 b contacts the can 10 a below the horizontal axis A. Lower arm 22 a contacts the can 10 a in quadrant II and lower arm 22 b contacts the can 10 a in quadrant III.

Each of the rollers 24 f-24 i located on lower arms 22 a, 22 b may contact the perimeter 8 of the can 10 a at equivalent locations within their respective quadrants. Rollers 24 f-24 i are operatively connected to the lower arms 22 a and 22 b, with rollers 24 g and 24 h being located where the lower arms 22 a, 22 b, are connected to the base 29.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6, roller 24 f and 24 i and rollers 24 g and 24 h may be located at equivalent locations along the circumference of the can 10 a. For example, roller 24 f would be located at 120° along the circumference of the can 10 a, while roller 24 i would be located at 240° along the circumference of the can 10 a. Likewise, roller 24 g would be located at 150° along the circumference of the can 10 a, while roller 24 h would be located at 210° along the circumference of the can 10 a. It should be understood that the locations of the placement of the rollers 24 f-24 i may vary depending upon the size and shape of the can 10 a and the numbers provided above are for illustrative purposes only. Force points where the rollers 24 a-24 d contact the perimeter 8 may be located at any degree angle around the can portion 10 a. It is important however to provide support to the bottom half of the can 10 a during the welding process in order to improve efficiency and stabilization. In the event that a large force is required for the rounding process the rollers may be used as restraint.

While the above embodiment is illustrated having upper arms 20 a, 20 b, side arm 23 a, 23 b and lower arms 22 a, 22 b, there may be more or less arms depending on the needs of the construction process. Furthermore, it is contemplated that while arms with rollers are shown it may be possible to provide force to the portion of the can 10 a above the horizontal axis A via other means; however the arms are an effective way to restrain the can 10 a.

FIG. 7 sets forth the method for welding the cans 10 a-10 g together. In step 102, the can 10 a is maneuvered into position on the can rounding mechanism 15.

In step 104 an additional can 10 b is also maneuvered into position on the can rounding mechanism 15. The can portions 10 a-10 h can be placed into position using any mechanism that is able to transport the can portions 10 a-10 h to their desired location on the can rounding mechanism 15. Such mechanisms may be forklifts, cranes, etc.

In step 106, the can portion 10 a is pre-adjusted by using the can rounding mechanism 15 to conform to a concentric state for welding or bonding purposes. This pre-adjustment occurs through the usage of the can rounding mechanism 15 via usage of the arms 20 a, 20 b, the arms 22 a, 22 b and arms 23 a, 23 b, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-6.

In step 108, the can portion 10 a is rotated at a desired rotational speed through the usage of drive roller mechanism, in order to weld, or bond the cans 10 a-10 h together while using the can rounding mechanism 15 and the force exerted by the arms 20 a, 20 b, 22 a, 22 b, 23 a, 23 b, on the perimeter 8 of the cans 10 a-10 h. The control box, discussed above may be adapted to control the drive roller mechanism or the drive roller mechanism may be a separate device. The application of force on the perimeter 8 of the cans 10 a-10 h helps enable the maintenance of a concentric state or shape.

In step 110, the newly welded and/or bonded can assembly is moved the distance of one can and/or a desired distance in order to finish construction of the wind tower.

In step 112, the process is repeated until all of the desired cans 10 a-10 h are welded together in order to create the tower.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A can rounding mechanism comprising: a base; a pair of upper arms connected to the base, wherein the pair of upper arms have at least one roller located at a distal end of each of the pair of upper arms; a pair of lower arms connected to the base, wherein the pair of lower arms have at least one roller located at a distal end of each of the pair of lower arms; and wherein when a can is placed in the can rounding mechanism the pair of upper arms contacts the can at a first portion of the can located above a mid-point of the can and the pair of lower arms contacts the can at second portion of the can located below the mid-point of the can.
 2. The can rounding mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a side arm connected to the base.
 3. The can rounding mechanism of claim 2, wherein the side arm has a roller adapted to contact the can at first portion of the can located above a mid-point of the can.
 4. The can rounding mechanism of claim 1, wherein the pair of upper arms have a pair of rollers located at a distal end of each of the first pair of upper arms.
 5. The can rounding mechanism of claim 1, wherein at least one of the pair of upper arms is movable so as to increase a distance between the distal ends of the first pair of upper arms.
 6. The can rounding mechanism of claim 5, wherein the distance between the upper arms is adjustable so as to accommodate a can having a diameter between 7 to 20 feet.
 7. The can rounding mechanism of claim 1, wherein at least one of the pair of lower arms is movable so as to increase a distance between the pair of lower arms.
 8. The can rounding mechanism of claim 7, wherein the distance between the lower arms is adjustable so as to accommodate a can having a diameter between 7 to 20 feet.
 9. The can rounding mechanism of claim 1, wherein when a can is placed in the can rounding mechanism one of the pair of upper arms contacts the can in quadrant I, wherein quadrant I extends from 0° to 90° around the circumference of the can, and the other of the pair of upper arms contacts the can in quadrant IV, wherein quadrant IV extends from 270° to 360° around the circumference of the can.
 10. A system for rounding cans comprising: a can having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter extends around the circumference of the can from 0° to 360°, wherein a quadrant I extends from 0° to 90° around the circumference of the can, a quadrant II extends from 90° to 180° around the circumference of the can, a quadrant III extends from 180° to 270° around the circumference of the can and a quadrant IV extends from 270° to 360° around the circumference of the can; a can rounding mechanism comprising a base; a first arm connected to the base, wherein the first arm has at least one roller located at a distal end of the arm; a second arm connected to the base, wherein the second arm has at least one roller located at a distal end of the second arm; and wherein the first arm contacts the can at within quadrant I or quadrant IV of the can and the second arm contacts the can at quadrant II or quadrant III of the can.
 11. The system for rounding cans of claim 10, further comprising a side arm connected to the base.
 12. The system for rounding cans of claim 11, wherein the side arm has a roller adapted to contact the can at first portion of the can located above a mid-point of the can.
 13. The system for rounding cans of claim 10, further comprising a third arm, wherein the third arm contacts the can within quadrant I or quadrant IV.
 14. The system for rounding cans of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first arm and the third arm is movable so as to increase a distance between the first arm and the third arm.
 15. The system for rounding cans of claim 14, wherein the distance between the first arm and the third arm is adjustable so as to accommodate a can having a diameter between 7 to 20 feet.
 16. The system for rounding cans of claim 15, further comprising a fourth arm, wherein the fourth arm contacts the can within quadrant II or quadrant III.
 17. The system for rounding cans claim 16, wherein the distance between the second arm and the fourth arm is adjustable so as to accommodate a can having a diameter between 7 to 20 feet.
 18. The system for rounding cans of claim 10, further comprising; a plurality of valves operatively connected to the can rounding mechanism; a tank operatively connected to a pump; a pump operatively connected to an engine; and a control box adapted to control the can rounding mechanism.
 19. The system for rounding cans of claim 10, wherein the can may be conical or cylindrical in shape.
 20. A method for rounding cans comprising: placing a first can in a can rounding mechanism, wherein the can rounding mechanism comprises: a base; a pair of upper arms connected to the base, wherein the pair of upper arms have at least one roller located at a distal end of each of the pair of upper arms; a pair of lower arms connected to the base, wherein the pair of lower arms have at least one roller located at a distal end of each of the pair of lower arms; and wherein when the first can is placed in the can rounding mechanism the pair of upper arms contacts the first can at a first portion of the first can located above a mid-point of the first can and the second pair of lower arms contacts the first can at second portion of the first can located below the mid-point of the first can; and welding the first can to a second can. 